New Eastbourne Triathlon welcoming world-class triathletes

The Eastbourne Triathlon on England’s South Coast is set to welcome world-class talent to the new triathlon set for 12 June 2016. Ben Allen from Australia and UK triathlete Jacqui Slack have chosen to enter the race, drawn by its ‘stunning location, welcoming atmosphere and the appeal of challenging for the inaugural titles.’

Following the unveiling of the Brighton and Hove Triathlon, this year is seeing an increasing level of tri racing on England’s South Coast.

The Eastbourne Triathlon takes place from the Western Lawns on the historic seafront and consists of a 600m sea swim, 25K road-cycle through the South Downs National Park, before finishing with a 5K run and a ‘glorious promenade finish in front of The Grand Hotel.’

It is positioned as a new major sporting event for the Sussex town. The Eastbourne Triathlon offers a welcoming challenge to newcomers and regular fitness fans alike. According to the event organisers, its unique setting and growing reputation has drawn two international stars of the sport, which will further the event’s reputation and appeal globally, and that of the town itself as a centre of sport.

Ben Allen hails from the Gold Coast of Australia and has many world titles to his name, including finishing on the podium at two out of the last three XTERRA World Championships, claiming the Asia-Pacific Triple Crown twice, winning the XTERRA England national title in 2013 and over 15 world tour wins.

Ben Allen said “We’re very excited to race and hangout in Eastbourne! Jacqui has told me it is the sunniest place in the UK and the course and competition looks amazing.”

Jacqui Slack will also be travelling from Australia and races internationally, but originally hails from Stoke-on-Trent. After winning the historic Windsor Triathlon in 2012 and being crowned the British champion, then the XTERRA England national title in 2013, she is now one of the best in the world, the reigning XTERRA Asia-Pacific Tour Champion and has finished in the top-10 at the last three XTERRA World Championships. She also has eight world tour titles on her CV and several domestic titles.

“It’s a real treat to come to Eastbourne and when we heard that one of our favourite race organisers was setting up a new major triathlon event in such a beautiful town, we had to support it! We can’t wait to arrive and swim, bike and run,” Slack said.

Richard Campbell, Race Director, added “It’s amazing that two professional athletes of world-class calibre have chosen to take part and support, our local event. The Eastbourne Triathlon has the potential to be one of the best triathlons in the UK and the town and venue is a fantastic hub of multisport activity.

“It is estimated that the event will contribute £70,000 to the local economy and we are very excited to develop it in partnership with Visit Eastbourne and bring another quality sporting event to the town.”

The Eastbourne Triathlon has been re-launched in 2016 and is being organised by the Eastbourne-based sports marketing, PR and events company, Beyond Sport Marketing. As well as the triathlon, there are also options for competitors to enter an Aquabike event or a SUP (stand-up paddle board) triathlon. The event is supporting the Eastbourne Voluntary Lifeguards.

All competitors will receive an event t-shirt and memento, with prizes on offer for the top three. The Eastbourne Triathlon will also offer a £1,000 prize purse should the event attract 300 or more entries.

The Eastbourne Triathlon supports the Eastbourne Voluntary Lifeguards and Rockinghorse – the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital. Ben Allen and Jacqui Slack will be staying at The Grand Hotel for the race and will also be visiting the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and providing training days in the preceding week.